Chapter 28
Compared To Religion, Atheism, And Everything Else
Ixperiencit Theory occupies a unique position among ideas about death and consciousness.
Compared to religion, Ixperiencit Theory is materialistic and naturalistic, grounded entirely in what we know about how the physical world works. But unlike most materialist philosophies, it does not conclude that death is the end. It shows that materialism, properly understood, implies a form of immortality that is richer and more extensive than anything religion offers.
1. Consciousness is produced by brain structure and functioning. (Standard neuroscience.)
4. Therefore, two identical brains would produce identical consciousness. (Follows from 1-3.)
Compared to atheism, Ixperiencit Theory accepts all the same scientific premises but rejects the common atheist conclusion that death is permanent. Let me trace the logic step by step, because this is where the disagreement is most precise.
Compared to transhumanism, Ixperiencit Theory goes further. Transhumanism focuses on extending life through technology — life extension, cryonics, mind uploading, cybernetic enhancement. These are all valuable pursuits, but they are limited. They depend on maintaining continuity of a single body or brain, or on the development of specific technologies. Ixperiencit Theory shows that immortality does not depend on any of these. It exists as a consequence of the nature of consciousness itself.
Key Terms in This Chapter
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The remaining text (examples, counter-arguments, and longer connective passages) is in the book.